Experiential Placements

The School of Pharmacy has developed the following set of guidelines to clarify the role of Preceptors and Students:

1. The Student Should:

  • appreciate that practical experience, closely supervised by a registered pharmacist, who shares their valuable time and experience, will be of great professional benefit
  • make the most of this opportunity to learn professional skills and apply pharmacy theory to practice
  • be aware that, at times, the Preceptor may be unavailable to teach. Students should continue to demonstrate initiative and willingness to learn by using this time to research any questions, interact with other staff and make discreet observations
  • read the Guidelines For Preceptors for an explanation of what they may expect from their placement 

2. At the Placement:

  • Students must wear the School placement shirt and professional attire, an ID badge and be well groomed (no jeans, sports shoes, sunglasses, or baseball caps!)
  • The student must maintain professional behaviour standards (Code of Professional Conduct) and in no way discredit the pharmacy
  • Customers should not be misled that the student is a registered pharmacist
  • Students must respect patient and doctor confidentiality (delete all names, addresses, or identifying features from any case studies or examples of patient medication histories that may be included in any work book)
  • Students must treat all staff with respect and courtesy
  • In order to experience all facets of community pharmacy, students should learn and/or participate in the duties of all pharmacy staff
  • Students must take all due care with pharmacy equipment and other property
  • All matters of business must be kept confidential

3. Attendance:

  • The student must regularly and reliably attend their placement at the prearranged times. If a student is unable to attend they must notify their Preceptor (preferably before the placement or as soon as possible after) to arrange a make-up time

4. The student must NOT receive any remuneration for their placement:

  • this would undermine the flexibility of the learning experience
  • remuneration invalidates any University of Queensland insurance cover
  • Students do not have professional liability insurance

5. Students should maintain a record of their attendance that is verified by their preceptor

6. Ask your Preceptor if you are unsure about any aspect of your placement

7. Students should notify the Placements Officer or Academic Supervisor of any issues or problems.


Please note that NO CHANGES TO PLACEMENTS MAY BE MADE WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL from the Academic Supervisor.